Canberra's new ice sports facility is a step closer after the ACT Government announced it will support a detailed proposal from the proponent to be built in Tuggeranong.
The facility, to be known as the Canberra Arena, will meet the needs of Canberra's growing ice sports community, create jobs and economic activity and provide the community with a great place to participate in and cheer on Canberra's ice sport athletes including the national ice hockey champions, the CBR Brave.
Minister for Sport and Recreation Yvette Berry welcomed the proposal and said it would be a wonderful asset for the growing ice sports community.
"Toward the end of last year the ACT Government announced it would support the detailed proposal for a new $45-50 million ice sports facility put forward by Cruachan Investments Pty Ltd (Crucahan) and its development partner, Pelligra Holdings Pty Ltd (Pelligra), following an expression of interest process and the signing of a Heads of Agreement.
"The new facility will feature two international standard ice sheets that will support the needs of figure skating, broomball, speed skating and ice hockey, as well as dedicated curling sheets – the first of its kind in Australia – and capacity for up to 3,600 spectators.
"A range of amenities will be provided for players and officials, including change rooms, player benches, penalty boxes and judging platforms. Associated amenities to support the operation of the facility will include a retail/pro shop, skate rental facilities, café/kiosk and restaurant, office and administration space and concessions areas in the main ice rink.
"The facility will also include an indoor rock climbing facility that will include all three Olympic disciples of lead, speed and bouldering. A range of environmentally sustainable features will be incorporated as part of the design, including solar panels to reduce energy consumption and the provision of LED sports lighting.
"This is a significant sporting infrastructure project for Tuggeranong and the ACT Government will commit $16 million towards the development of the new ice sports facility."
"The ACT Government looks forward to working with the Cruachan and Pelligra on this exciting new project for the Canberra community. I know the ACT Ice Sports Federation are also looking forward to working with Cruachan and Pelligra during the development of the ice sports facility to ensure the best possible outcome moving forward," said Minister Berry.
As is the case for all developments in the ACT, Cruachan and Pelligra will engage with the community in relation to the proposed development prior to the lodgement of a formal Development Application.
At this time, Cruachan and Pelligra are aiming to open the new facility in 2025.
The new ice sports facility in Tuggeranong was a 2020 ACT Labor election commitment.
Quotes attributable to Cruachan, Director, Mr Stephen Campbell:
"This is an exciting time for ice sports in the ACT. A new facility of international standard will provide the perfect environment to encourage more people to participate in ice sports and provide exceptional amenities for those spectating. We are looking forward to creating Australia's first ice sports school program to give every young person the opportunity to engage in figure skating, ice hockey, broomball, speed skating and curling.
Two sheets of ice will allow recreational skating in a fun and contemporary environment without interrupting an expanded sports program."
Quotes attributable to the ACT Ice Sports Federation, President, Mr Tony Prescott:
"The ACT Ice Sports Federation welcomes further progress towards establishing a new ice sports centre in Canberra. The ACT Ice Sports Federation is committed to partnering with the ACT Government along with Cruachan Investments and Pelligra Holdings to realise our dream of a state-of-the-art facility capable of meeting the future needs of all of our ice sports, and creating new opportunities and pathways for local kids. We anticipate the new facility also will become a national centre of excellence for ice sports and a natural home for local, national and international level ice sports events."
